By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 3: Before it became a popular hiking destination, Tajur Rambung was known to the people of Kampung Biyar Jaber in Padawan simply as a quiet hill — a place tied to stories, respect for nature and the rhythms of village life.
According to Ketua Kampung (village headman) Ephesian Kutun Sogod, “Rambung” is the original name of the forested area, passed down through generations, while “Tajur” is a Bidayuh term referring to a peak or high ground.
Local oral traditions also speak of a forest guardian believed to watch over the hill — not as a threat, but as a protector. Elders once shared stories of travellers encountering fruits such as limes in areas where no such trees existed, believed to be gifts from the spirit known as Rambung.
“These stories were told to remind people, especially children, to respect the forest — not to shout, misbehave or act carelessly,” Kutun told DayakDaily in an interview.
Today, Tajur Rambung has taken on a new role. Opened to the public in 2019, the hill has emerged as one of rural Sarawak’s increasingly popular hiking spots, especially after going viral on social media earlier this year.
A trail that suddenly grew busy
Tajur Rambung is a 3.02-kilometre trail from the main road to its summit, including a one-kilometre stretch leading to the base camp and first checkpoint.
The hike, which takes about two hours to complete, has surged in popularity last year after gaining attention on social media, particularly among TikTok users and influencers.
But behind the viral views and panoramic scenery lies a quieter story of village guides who shoulder not only the responsibility of leading hikers uphill, but sometimes, carrying them back down.
For local guide Morris Yos, 34, the popularity comes with responsibility — one that became evident during a single emergency case involving a female hiker, which he personally handled.
An unforgettable incident
Morris recalled that the incident occurred in 2024 when he was guiding a group of eight women who began their hike at about 8am.
“They reached the summit around 11am. It was very hot by then, and one of them only brought a small bottle of mineral water, which wasn’t enough,” he said.
After resting and eating, the hiker went to the toilet but failed to return. Concerned, Morris asked her friend to check on her and found her lying weak on the toilet floor. The group waited until about 5pm, but the woman was still unable to walk.
“Because she is Muslim, we first asked for her permission before helping her. She was conscious and could move a little,” Morris explained.
At around 5pm, Morris decided to bring her down from the summit, carrying her on his back while the remaining seven hikers followed behind.
Unable to manage alone, Morris contacted the village headman, who then helped reach another guide. The second guide climbed up with medication, which the hiker took along the way.
“Her condition improved after that, but carrying her down to the base camp was still very tiring. We had to stop several times to rest,” he said.
By the time they reached the base camp, the hiker was stable and able to move on her own.
Help without a price tag
According to Morris, emergency assistance by village guides is never charged.
“If someone cannot walk or loses consciousness, we don’t charge anything. We help first. Sometimes all we get is a ‘thank you’, and that’s enough,” he said.
He explained that guiding services are charged at RM100 per trip, while motorcycle transport from the main road to the base camp costs RM5. Camping at the summit is allowed at RM50, with an additional RM50 if a guide stays overnight. All guides are villagers.
Each guide normally limits groups to 10 hikers, though demand sometimes exceeds capacity during peak periods.
A reminder for hikers
While such cases are not frequent, Morris said most emergencies stem from the same issue — lack of preparation.
“Hiking is not something you do on impulse just because it’s trending. Some people are used to walking in shopping malls, then suddenly decide to hike a hill,” he pointed out.
He stressed the importance of physical readiness, sufficient water, basic medication and proper equipment, adding that guides must also be trained in emergency procedures and safety protocols.
“There are many cases where hikers only make it halfway and have to turn back. Some wait at base camp while their friends continue,” he said.
From zero budget to village pride
Kutun said the idea to develop Tajur Rambung came after the District Office encouraged villages to identify their own tourism products. Other villages have waterfalls, rivers, caves or beaches. However, Kampung Biyar Jaber didn’t have any of those.
After surveying the area, he identified Tajur Rambung as suitable for hiking and presented the proposal during a district meeting. Hiking was free for the first two to three months when the trail opened. Fees were only enforced towards the end of 2021 and early 2022.
“All the early work was done with zero budget,” Kutun said.
The village later received a RM30,000 grant from Deputy Minister for Transport (Aviation and Road) and Mambong assemblyman Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, which was used to build a ‘tanju’ (bamboo decks). However, basic facilities such as toilets remain limited.
Plans are underway to further upgrade the site, including the construction of an additional shelter for campers and guides, as well as a viewing tower higher than the existing hut roof to allow visitors to enjoy a 360-degree view without disturbing surrounding trees.
Kutun said Dr Jerip has also pledged RM100,000 for further development, including upgrades at Tajur Rambung, repairs to the potholed motorcycle road leading to the base camp, and improvements to ageing village bridges and walkways.
More than just a hike
For the people of Kampung Biyar Jaber, Tajur Rambung is more than a scenic trail or a trending destination.
“Tajur Rambung is not just a place to hike. It is part of our heritage,” Kutun said.
As more hikers make their way up the hill, guided by village hands and watched over by old stories, the message remains unchanged — preparation matters, and respect for nature is still the most important rule of all. – DayakDaily
